Devotion STORY & ENDING EXPLAINED

devotion story and ending explained. Devotion game tales the story of a broken father, trying desperately to help his sick daughter.
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[@Wheuwe-this]

The English name for this game "devotion" (mostly meant paying attention to something) was not the same meaning as the official Chinese name “还愿” (it means return the favour)

[@gamersault]

That makes so much sense now, thanks for sharing this!

[@weirdalexander8193]

Yeah, that’s not the goal of child rearing, assuming there is one. This game shows that pretty blatantly, can’t you tell?

[@EinsamPibroch278]

Reciprocity or Remuneration?

[@killnobody4anybody]

還願 also has the double meaning of asking “are you still willing?” You especially see it in the ending song. The lyric basically the father’s final prayer to his daughter regardless all the madness “are you still willing” to smile and love him. Super sad T^T

[@Wheuwe-this]

@@killnobody4anybody well that requires to change the pronunciation for the first word to hái, but this is correct too

[@rawrclandestiraptor]

What really hits home for me (especially as the eldest daughter of an Asian family) is the idea (call it tradition, if you must) of using or valuing your children as an investment or retirement plan. In a lot of Asian cultures, you are considered to be a rich man if you have a lot of kids (most especially sons), meaning you'll have a bigger return for your investment down the line. There is much truth in the Asian "Tiger parenting" stereotype. They want their kids to be the best at everything, at any cost. Even if it is detrimental to their mental (sometimes even physical) health. They won't apologize for the trauma their methods cause because , "they'll thank us later when they're successful."

[@KirstenMarie_MS3]

People seem to forget that not all trauma stems from the "classic" notion of abuse. I don't know about other cultures/parts of the world, but in the US we're seeing a rise in Religious Trauma Syndrome. Much like your example, it's seen as something done to benefit the child, so how can it possibly be bad?

[@Hannah-zv9uj]

As also the eldest daughter of an Asian family, This is true. They expect that you will give them what they "deserve", love and care yet treat us like shit. My mother argued with my cousin when she said she didn't want a child for reasons such as mental stability and my mother said and I quote, "Who will take care of you when you get old?" It's truly upsetting that this is very common in Asian households.

[@hershu1653]

As also an Asian, I can agree to this despite being the youngest. It’s honestly almost sickening to a point of how not only are women are expected to raise children, but the fact that it’s worse in Asian culture only seeing your children as investments. And force you to thank them for giving birth to you. You shouldn’t have to be thankful for being born into an abusive family. Sometimes I get sick of Asian culture to the point of forgetting my own culture due to trauma and how normal this type of toxic manipulation, gaslighting, and to an extent, abusive behavior this is. But no one ever wants to acknowledge it.

[@ChaosAngel1331]

Thank you for highlighting this! My family is the exact same, albeit they have learned better than to push my buttons too far. My cousins were teen moms and rather than supporting them their parents forced them to keep the child rather than abortion or adoption, which they wanted. All because it's an investment. Ironically despite is being the same age she is still living with her parents and boyfriend and unable to take care of her kids while I've become a scientist. It's scary to think I could've turned out the same if I never tried to show my parents my side of things

[@khezupreme4318]

I was physically disciplined when I was a kid, got hit on the legs and arms, and sent outside in the cold in the middle of the night when I did stupid stuff. I think it's necessary for kids who are too stubborn, but in moderation of course. I just thought of it as some Kung Fu training or something lmao.

[@astriverofstrengthandknowledge]

Psychological horror is the scariest horror, especially when it *can* happen in real life. Worst part is there are so many Mei Shins out there who probably aren’t getting the proper love and guidance needed for their *own* sake in life.

[@russellsales7796]

The story of Devotion is a tragic one; of how pride, social norms, traditionalist beliefs, and mental health ruined this Taiwanese family. If anything, the game could be seen as Feng Yu's mind trying to hold on to the fantasy that he was right and his refusal to acknowledge that he wasn't. This is shown after the credits, where we see Feng Yu sitting catatonic in an empty house, alone, watching a TV that's showing static while we hear someone knocking at the door. Presumably, Li Fang or the police to come and get Mei Shin, only for them to come too late.

[@kibaliziosa483]

Good gods I completely forgot she wasn't plagued with a mysterious illness but was an anxiety disorder. It was tragic when I thought it was a father desperately searching for a cure to an incurable illness but now it's worse. So much worse.

[@froshtea]

Truly is. How this game hit some so well is also partly that this tradition still lingers and go on from our current generation. My cousin is a suicidal depressed person but the first thing my grandma and grandaunt does is take her to the temple and get an exorcist to dispel the demon from her in front of other family members. I won't deny divine and cruel spirits are among us as my grandaunt herself is a frequent conduit for possession from wukong (i know its fucking dumb) but her depression grew worse because of this experience and she had to play along so this would end and let her be. Hopefully 20 years from now this is no longer a norm and lay the halabaloo stuff to rest

[@vegalucas7782]

If you worship something, it creates fear and disbelief. We weren't born to give in our disbelief and fear, as long as you're happy nothing matters. Life's gone by and soon after, a new life starts.

[@SuperLovelessgirl]

This game was so scary on a whole other level because it's actually possible. It was so sad to know poor Mei Shin died as a result of it all. A beautiful game and story through and through.

[@MDOffred]

It's not only possible - it's actually very common in Asian culture to "stake our future on our children" like children are future investments who'd take care of the parents in their old age, instead of their own individuals.

[@Editor9111-o5s]

not at all scary

[@AA-ed6ek]

@@MDOffred That's not just Asia lol.

[@tarafinnegan9385]

I relate to this game's story and it has stuck with me for years as someone with anxiety, I have many symptoms like Mei Shin. A very good game, but also very sad.

[@thaipankatima658]

Damn... that was just sad. The paranoia of the father, the expectation of their children, and the whole damnable pride and reputation. That just hits the heart man.

[@limrithisith4228]

ye same man

[@frank8917]

That’s Chinese civilization for you (that and Japanese and Korean) Impossible expectations for little kids and a life of depression

[@tchoythao5579]

yeah this part of Asian culture and tradition is why i vehemently hate Asian culture and traditions. Your kids are tools to accomplish your goals and dreams you couldn't at any cost. by the way I am Asian.

[@reynarudydharsono603]

Devotion hits dangerously close to home for me. I am the daughter of an Asian family. Here, there is a saying that many children (no need for attention for their needs) provide prosperity and wealth to their parents. Children are pushed to pay back to their parents once they've grown up. While my parents have decided to reject those archaic ideas and focus on giving me and my brother a fulfilling future, it's clear as day that it's not always the case for everyone else. Hell, subconsciously, my father, despite being an adult, is still tied to my paternal grandmother. Forced to repay her for raising him. Along with my paternal relatives who also 'helped' raise him when my father's father died. To many, I'm not a child. I'm something that supposed to be better than my parents in every aspect (which, after generations, the bar's been set through the roof you'd be delusional to even *think* to achieve that!) and be the sole thing that's keeping them afloat when they're old. Oh, and please don't get to the 'obligated to continue the bloodline' bullshit. I'm still salty and rightfully so. Even in 2021, mental health is portrayed as a joke. I'm an emotional, sensitive person. I'm treated as a laughing stock every time I just cry for a little bit. Depression is seen as an 'attention-seeker', people who fall under aspd 'crazed lunatics', autistic 'childish bufoons', etc. As a plus, the LGBTQ community is shunned by the public too. All of this unfair treatment stems from the idea of 'it's abnormal and goes against the laws of nature'. Laws created by man. Hypocrisy at its finest. Another thing as well, the lines of discipline and abuse are blurred so much it's not even there anymore. It's fucking free real estate!

[@holybell000]

I relate to this so much. However, I'm of African descent. At least my mom's culture has that. My mom regularly gives a $200 allowance to my grandmother who happens to be a narc and also hates my mom. She's the only kid that consistently sends the money. My grandma has income-generating property, 3 grown stepkids (that do not support her at all), and she does a little bit of side hustling by giving medical advice to new moms since she's a retired midwife. Not one thank you. She insulted my mom in front of my brother and me when we finally met her a few years ago. I always told my mom to stop supporting her and go no contact because she's just sucking the life out of her mentally and fiscally. But my mom replies saying that she has to take care of her as her daughter. And the woman says my mom owes it to her. Like wtf? She ditched you after getting divorced from your dad and uses you as a punching bag for her unresolved problems with the man (who said it was okay for her to divorce if that made her feel better) who my mom looks like the most. Even after living in America for so long, my mom still thinks I'm wrong for not talking to my grandma after meeting her. If that's the preview of what I could end up as because of "tradition and family values", then no. The whole trip visiting her was just her berating anything I didn't do as a cis woman in line with her values. Culture is a hell of a drug and not a great one for many.

[@kl41256-p]

I can agree with that. Who thinks faking genuine mental illness is a “quirk,” or “funny,” just for useless likes and attention? NO ONE, yet some idiot on the internet claims to have a menagerie of mental illnesses that aren’t even portrayed correctly. Also yes, the LGBTQ is shunned by ignorant bigoted assholes that either use religious science to make a shallow justification of their behavior or uses the idea that this violates the laws of nature.”

[@kodistanley1018]

Eldest Son in an Asian family - let’s not forget the best part. One “mistake” destroys anything else you’ll ever do to appease. I’m successful, married, devout and…lgbtq. Guess which is important? My cousin is highly successful, married a doctor, has had kids and is still 20+ years later called “the depressed one” when referring to my aunts three children. Why? She had once, once told a doctor she felt sad and the doctor told my uncle she was suffering from depression and needed help. Combine that with the fact that at least where I’m from it’s a competition of who has the best kid - meaning that it sometimes feel less like a family and more like a sport franchise, or a dogfighting ring. But I mean - I’m thankful my family doesn’t try to convert or exorcise me (anymore) and gets along with my husband. So, I’ve got it better than most.

[@defaulted9485]

Doctor : "Your daughter needs psychiatric help." Mr. Liu : "MY DAUGHTER IS NOT A LUNATIC!!!!11!!" Traditionalist Society Dropouts : "Here, a lunatic Guan Yin Ritual or we deem your daughter insane." Mr. Liu : 'You son of a b-tch, I'm in."

[@younggreg6155]

As funny as this is. This is equally tragic as well for how true to reality it is.

[@unslaadkrosis9435]

Wait, that's my father lol

[@froshtea]

Even funnier that the conwoman tells him: "Ya so i need u to blindfold urself and go through a psychedelic trip in which you'll pull your organs out and drown your daughter in snake blood for 7 days" "Say no more fam"

[@froshtea]

@Johnny G cashing while a tad bit of superstition still exist in the culture. Anytime someone tells u to wear this or eat this or drink that to vend off bad spirits you gotta know its bs. Especially when someone tells u they can see ur future or read your life signs, u know why? Cuz if they are so good at it. They won't in such a position to scam ppl off some first year psych student shit

[@chewymint5224]

the sad thing is most asian parents will disregard your mental disorders as over exaggeration or "you need to pray more". they think you being depressed, anxious, or schizophrenic is one big sham and just you seeking for their attention. reason why asian children ended up offing themselves. well, not all but majority do

[@MultiJET24]

The developers of the game actually ran an ARG for this game a few days before the release of the game and if I can recall correctly, it revolves around the wife's brother investigating the cult that killed his niece

[@conorgarrett5893]

Name?

[@StayCalm_DoArt123]

thats interesting

[@キリンになりたい]

He's right. It involves cross-industry collaboration between cafes in Taipei, Taiwan, where real-life scenarios require the use of secret codes to obtain clues related to a mysterious religious group. There's also street theater in Taipei featuring a couple arguing and tugging at each other on the streets, with the man demanding explanations. Online, there are clues resembling the Cigu-Guanyin religious group, including on Instagram, where users have to scan QR codes and decrypt codes (for more details, Taiwanese players involved at the time can provide further information). From what I recall, completing the entire ARG would likely lead to conclusions about the man in the street theater being Li-feng's brother and the woman being associated with the Cigu-Guanyin religious group, among other relevant plot points. If I remember correctly, Taiwanese players also utilized Discord to exchange clues and solve puzzles. Given that the ARG involved both online and offline elements, the officials even mentioned that the overall progress was faster than they had anticipated. However, after the game faced a shitstorm, several elements were criticized by Chinese players for perceived malicious references, but that's another story

[@_4y4m3_ch4n_]

@@conorgarrett5893 look up devotion arg, there's a video going the whole thing really well

[@GabrielleIsGabrielle]

Is there any source??

[@hihowareya6861]

As an asian i can pretty much relate to this since im an only child they only see me as "someone who will fulfill my parent's failed achievments" so they'll force me to do everything they want me to do despite my mental health slowly degrading yes they care about my physical well being but never my emotional and mental well being as they always see it as "nuisance" to my supposed success i hate it im almost at age and i dont even have a choice on how to live my life without asking their permission

[@thememan1387]

Cut em out and if they ask why tell them if it doesn't break them never talk to them

[@elderxemo92]

I'd take life into my own hands.

[@phasechange9789]

This is Authoritarian parenting. It's so common in Asia families. You will never be happy in life if you keep listening and following your parents orders. Cut ties with them. As someone who was raised with this type of parenting I almost killed myself because I couldn't take it anymore. Well I'm fine now just taking pills and stuff but I'm finally free though.

[@gavins9846]

Get out fast. Im speaking from experience you need to get out and learn how to live life from healthy people.

[@issac7787]

Hi how you doing now?

[@maggywolska1943]

When I played it my perspective was it was the fathers fault mostly. He was a weary prideful person. He simply couldn't accept the failings in his life. He wanted to be a recognized artist, a provider for his famous wife and an impresario for his uber talented kid. He was so obsessed whit thaws ideas he burned down his reputation, blew up his marriage and traumatized his child. A story of hubris warping and twisting good intentions.

[@LuanaSantos-rl4sb]

killed the child :(

[@vegalucas7782]

- drowned his child to the poll of wine and snakes for hours and end - finds out that he got scammed - sitting devastated and anguish realizing that he murdered his child - stay sitting there Infront of his tv, without any movement, suffer catatonic and no emotion - police siren soon follow, blinking red and blue lights at the window. - gets handcuffed, sent into interrogation, booked to jail waiting trials. - got sentenced to life without any parole and sent to physicatric jail. - hung himself and ended his story.

[@meowmeowm30w]

The segment of the game where she is playing with her marbles to distract herself while listening to her parents argue really hit close to home for me. Just hearing my parents talk to each other makes me anxious and nervous. I've lost my nerve once during one of their arguments and lashed out at them crying my eyes out (which I never do) and they stopped arguing aloud. Now they do it quieter or have negative remarks about each other and rant to me about them which... Idk I don't think thats any better.

[@deviantpanda1206]

A little reminder to those who relate to this game; you are a human, too. You aren't a tool, or cash cow. You never signed up to being born they forced you to be in this world. Parents are just like any other person, they just so happened to have sex. You don't owe them anything, because they choose to become parents, not you. You are human, your emotions are valid. If you consider yourself sensitive ; good! Be sensitive be emotional that means you have a heart. Stay strong and don't ever change that big heart of yours

[@stinky6521]

the birthday grab sounded so familiar because i remember hearing a story of how someone’s father put two objects in front of him but the child ignored the objects and ran straight to their dad and the dad started crying (i think), so sweet

[@ToastyNoneofyourbusiness]

I heard that story. The father was known for hardly ever crying, and didn't really believe in the birthday grab thing but tried it out just for funsies. It was one of the few times he ever cried

[@helenchan6845]

Mei Shin showed her unwavering devotion to her father, she did not fight or challenge the ritual and paid with her life. This is a lesson that obeying a parent blindly is not always the right thing to do as best for the child. Most Asian parents demand obedience from their children and not critical thinking. I learnt from a young age that being old does not always mean knowing what is best and parents don't always know what they are doing. Trust in your instincts and never apologize and pay for your parents' immaturity and unreasonable demands.

[@cancanjaker1620]

yes, but a young child cannot fight against a fully grown adult. No matter how sensible the child can be.

[@haibestie3069]

Parents seem to think that their children are meant to compensate them for raising them when they grow up, but it all boils down to how you raise the children. They will take good care of you if you raise the kids well. They will not look after you if you abuse them or neglect them. It is related to the saying "treat people as you would like to be treated" or "reap what you sow."

[@kl41256-p]

Ah yes, denying your kids the human right to choose their career because that parent gave up on pursuing their dreams a long time ago. What could go possibly wrong?

[@darnellabbott335]

Really glad to see you reviewing Devotion, and glad to see that it was a highly requested title (I know I was one of those requesting it, haha!) It is an incredibly sad and somber story, but one that shows a lot of nuance and the potential dark side of something that is usually believed to be good. The father really did truly want to help his daughter, and his devotion to her and trying to help her get better is what led him down a dark path. Just because he wanted to help her didn't undermine how his own beliefs ended up hurting her in the long run (his not believing in proper medical care due to the times, and opting to go with "traditional" methods and homeopathy thanks to the hack who tricked him) The road to hell is paved with good intentions, I believe the saying is. Very glad to hear your thoughts on the game as a whole and I hope you take a little break cause engaging with dark themes like that can be a bit much! Much love to you, and glad to see your channel is thriving as well!

[@peilingpey697]

the "taking care of ur elders once u're older" thing is pretty typical in china and southeast Asia too, along with a lot of these cultural things (excluding some, not all, of the showbiz parents' behaviour and lack of mental healthawareness to an extent), it's interesting to see how outsiders view the culture on the flipside, instead of how u view "telling children to take care of their grandparents once they've grown old" as manipulation and archaic ways of thinking, my own family thinks that the western way of "leaving home when u're 18 and sending ur parents to nursing homes when they can't take care of themselves anymore" is like abandonment of family and lack of respect for ur elders i've ended up not really agreeing with either side haha it's really interesting, actually, if anyone in comments is up to discuss then i'd be open!to it!

[@Knitmur]

Interestingly enough my mom wants to take care of my grandma but she wants to go to a nursing home so I am curious like how that would be viewed? I personally think it's different depending on the people c:

[@BeyondDaX]

@@scapegoatmiller9110 That depends on the child if they want to or not. Let them decide on their own free will.

[@myriammachiche1030]

The idea 9f filial pity have been developed by Confucius. To him a good family is the basis of a good society ( I simplify but I guess you get the idea). The children have to respect the olders and vice versa. Yes, because there are conditions for olders to be respected : as a parent you have to take care of your children, to respect them. You won't be respected only because your an older but because you showed the example by being as an older respectfull to the youngster. So olders as youngers have obligations towards each others. As a child you also have to cherish the memory of those who left by offering food, praying, and lifting incent. As my husband is chinese and we sadly lost each a parent and our grandparents we do keep this tradition and we did transmit it to our children. Thinking that all the westerners do put their parents in a nursing home is stereotypical. Western countries are all differents from each others. Each of them have their own point of view on that matter and no they do not leave their parents at 18 years old and do not abandon their parents in a nursing home. That's very insulting. I am biracial euro-african and my grandparents died at home. My mother died in the intensive care because she had a cancer, she was surrounded by all our family. You should not judge cultures you don't really know. Mediterranean countries are very proud of their olders and do take care of them at home. Actually its often the olders who ask to go on a nursing home. Nursing home are expensive so not everybody can afford it even with a social help. I think this idea of westerners being heartless is based on few examples that people takes as a generality. Having lived in middel east and Asia I have seen also situations that you would rather attribute to westerners only. Its more about a personal choice than a societal habit. Now let's talk about parents who do not take care of their kids or worst who beat them....it happens a lot in Asia. Parents are very busy because they work a lot leaving their children taking care of themselves. I remember reading an article about depression among very young kids ( in Hong Kong., where I lived) because of the feeling of loneliness. One of my friend ended up to hang himself because of depression. You see there's good and bad in every society not only in the western countries. Ps:pardon my basic English as it is not my first language. I wish you the best.

[@witchy90210]

Agree. I think the issue comes with parents thinking they deserve to be taken care of when they are old because they took care of the child. It's also something many parents in the US at least. Though from what I have seen it's more of "You owe me as without me you wouldn't be here" so it's not even from a "good intention" it's more like collecting a debt. People who think like that should not be parents, as it's selfish.

[@peilingpey697]

ooh so many replies and perspectives here! the only family member who I feel even remotely comfortable discussing things with is my grandpa and he's got some strong opinions on things, so I'll admit that most of my understanding is from our discussions and my own personal observations of ppl I've never really been out of asia so all i really know about any culture other than my own is from media and the internet, so it's far from reliable, and even my understanding of my own culture is lacking at best my own take on the "make money and take care of ur elders" is that u should do whatever u can do to assist as long as it's within ur means and within reason, like if u have the resources and time you should try, or if they're very ill and u can't support them then yes, send them to a care facility that can. but this of course is all on the basis of mutual understanding between the (elderly family member) and (family member trying to help out) as to the "make money" part, i feel like there's so much pressure on students to achieve the highest possible standard or face immense disappointment or in some worse cases, physical punishment / imo just straight up abuse, but now i feel like I'm veering off into an entirely different topic of discussion missus myriam has brought up some really in points though! including things that seem to have been overlooked, and i'd like to come back to that to discuss and learn in a separate comment I've also just realised how prejudiced my family is and how it's rubbed off on me growing up (it's heavy) and i'll be trying to clear my head so i can be more open and discuss properly x3

[@Hannah-wj8do]

This really is true, I myself a child of an Chinese family. Those types of parenting is called "Tiger parenting" (Somewhat a traditional thing) and it really sucks because they have very high expectations on you, and sadly they don't really care and they will only care once it's too late. Example, my oldest brother (First born son which is a lot of pressure of what i've witnessed) was pressured so much to be what my parents wanted him to be and do which once he turned 18, he just left and hasn't talked to my parents since. (2 years) I would hear sometimes my parents talking about him saying how they wished they treated him nicely and with more respect and care but sadly it doesn't affect me and my other siblings. Watching this video gets me emotional because of how this is really accurate and how scary it gets not knowing how far or long it will last till the parents snap or you snap. It's a problem in my opinion and it really hurts the children especially in a young age being given a lot of expectations thrown at them. On the topic of mental health, that too isn't taken seriously (including society) I currently have been diagnosed with Anxiety and ADHD but to my parents "It's just and excuse, because you don't want to do (Whatever)." And it's been shown as a 'trend' , 'joke' or ' being unstable'. That hardest thing is that as the youngest girl in my family i'm shown as 'not important' because i won't carry the family name which is the most important thing in Asian families. Which makes me the last thing they'll ever think of. My health or well being isn't their top priorities, it's my oldest brothers who are, and then if they have some time for me they will do it. So in all honesty there isn't a beauty or pro in Tiger parenting especially in Asian culture.

[@blackgold754]

If they just downplay mental health, just bring up your brother. Why the hell do you think your oldest son left then? See, you learn nothing. When you treated older brother liek the way you treated us, did you ever care to think about him? its always about you. Just stnd up and tell them that.

[@hyperfixationfanatic]

@@blackgold754thats good advice, but sadly, sometimes with these toxic or abusive parents, that could get the child hurt, or they just wont listen

[@blackgold754]

@@hyperfixationfanatic I agree with u as well. They just won’t listen and continue to downplay your trauma, traumatizing u further. It’s best to follow my advice when u have understanding parents or when you have resources to move out.

[@hyperfixationfanatic]

@@blackgold754 yes exactly took the words out of my mouth, you are very wise and educated

[@chrisdiokno5600]

Fun fact, the belief in folding to get s wish exists in Japan too. There was a famous story if a girl, Sadako, who was stricken with Leukemia due to the atomic bomb. She tried to fold 1000 paper cranes, in the hopes she'd be cured

[@lambda-m1676]

The story of Origami is made in Japan. It spread to other cultures.

[@antheithei]

Most Asian families are like this.. I am Asian myself, and this hits me like a truck, it is very difficult to do what you want if you're being treated like this, they say it's "tough love" and it's only best for the child, but no, in reality the child is somehow forcing themselves to embrace what their parents want for them, so.. Yeah, it's difficult to speak out if your parents only want to hear themselves.

[@gammafive6598]

20:54 - to repay them for the year they carried her A child doesn't decide to be born parents decide to have children, that or either they're a byproduct of their lust.....HOW THE HELL DOES THE CHILD OWE THE PARENTS FOR BEING BORN WHEN IT'S THE PARENTS WHO WHO WANTED THEM???

[@BeyondDaX]

Blame ancient and archaic Chinese and certain Asian country traditions. It's still an actual thing. In fact a lot of asian countries are heavily dependent on the reputation of themselves and their children.

[@gammafive6598]

@@BeyondDaX if anything it's the parents who owe kids for bringigng them to this messed up world in the first place.....you know...the world that's messed up by the previous and current generations....the catagory the parents belongs to....and bruh I'm asian myself if my mom told me that I'd be pissed af...

[@cheemsebol69]

its an unfortunate thing in asia where parents treat children like investments haha... some people have children for the sole reason of 'having someone take care of them when they grow old'

[@darrelsam419]

Asian culture. A lot of parents here still feel that children need to repay them for birthing and taking care of them. We're in debt to them, in a way. It's dumb, and I wish this mentality would be lost in time soon. It's terrible especially when someone has abusive or demanding parents.

[@gammafive6598]

@@darrelsam419 I'm Asian and my parents aren't abusive but from time to time they say shit like that during fights....honestly, that's bs is what pisses me off the most during fights.

[@ddarkon1223]

Horror games deserve more man they are so special

[@michaelerdene1398]

Hi

[@burg153]

and so scary

[@limrithisith4228]

@@burg153 ye and tell us about some parents out there do this to there children

[@thangfahsavung9120]

This, Visage, Detention. I love stories that are like, “Sike, there is no ghost. People are just horrible.” It hit home and scare me more

[@dylan4142]

this was especially scary for me bc i grew up in chinese folk religion, several scenes especially the candles are heavily reminiscent of things my family would do for the gods, ancestors or ghosts... the fact that it always scared me as a child because i didn't understand is the similar to five nights at freddys in that it provides a horrifying explanation for things we don't understand, as it ties in to real life experiences and feels so close to home (literally in this case). great video, i loved it!

[@cocopuffs8646]

The worst part is when you’re actually Chinese and everything looks so familiar to you especially the setting and religion Watching it get twisted and warped into a evil way is really what makes this game scary/depressing

[@jennytai88]

I refused to perform for my parents as a child so they turned to my brother. They didn’t clearly say they needed my support but at points my mum did talk about me not earning her face. My dad couldn’t accept our weakness as he can’t accept his own weaknesses. But I am grateful for my rebellious spirit, I will cure this trauma.

[@aisyahsyahirahrahmat6182]

Ok this is scary! Im clinically diagnosed with anxiety, adhd and depression. I think ive been depressed since i was 12 but my parents thought i was possessed and that a "demon" was disturbing me causing me to not have the energy to do anything. I was legit brought to several mediums and had to take herbs/remedies and do several rituals 😭😭😭 oh and im asian too

[@sabellex64]

Are you okay now?

[@DevikaRani.]

Hey are you ok? 🥺

[@aisyahsyahirahrahmat6182]

@@sabellex64 yes tq for asking! im in therapy and doing much better now ❤️

[@aisyahsyahirahrahmat6182]

@@DevikaRani. yes tq for asking! doing much better now ❤️

[@sabellex64]

@@aisyahsyahirahrahmat6182 im glad, though what happened to your parents did they lost custody of you?

[@johnrovicgerong433]

Next gen asian parents should stop this kind of bullshit. Let the child decide what he/she will become and not force them to walk a path already paved for them but for them to make their own. It really gets in my nerves since i am also experiencing this "child investment" treatment saying i should become this or that and let the parents have a good life. I call that bull shit.

[@onekill31]

What do you mean? Most of the Asian parents are not like the father on this game.

[@antheithei]

They call it "tradition"..

[@fnx1170]

it's tradition and not all Asian parents are like them, kids should actually payback their hardwork and also living a successful life is also a way of paying them back like living in a place happily with your parents and financially stable to provide something for the whole family and for yourself not that very abusive and toxic. It depends on the situation. Poverty foster in most Asian countries, if the parents can't afford such a stable life then it's our job to pay them back and help them.

[@bachkawrd]

@@antheithei exactly, im asian and im gonna stop this bs, it's so mentally degrading

[@bakedbaker9882]

@@fnx1170 Soo I'm guessing you're brainwashed too :( No one asks to be born ya know? Are you ok, do you need help?

[@francoalmiron5107]

This game was one of the greatest horror experiences, i wish to have more games with a similar story.

[@MylkT1023]

Honestly, the scariest part about this game is how real the little girl's situation is. A lot of traditional families will NOT let go of the mindset that a child who grows up will take care of their parents in old age. Which is perfectly fine to care for one's parents but unfortunately there are those who hold that idea and tradition against their children like their kids OWE them for raising them to adulthood. It ends up being a bargaining tool in a way. It becomes so mentally and emotionally exhausting for the child to be successful so their parents can live the rest of their days well rather than pursue what makes them happy. It becomes a constant anxiety inducing shadow that makes you question "Will this be good for my parents?", "Will this make them happy?", and in a way that mentality parents push onto their kids becomes manipulative and abusive. Unfortunately, from my personal situation, it can develop mental illnesses. It can turn into depression and anxiety and even PTSD.

[@sapphic.flower]

On one hand, I can’t wrap my head around how parents can treat their kids like property without their own free will. But on the other, they were probably raised in a similar way with customs, cultures and sometimes religion shrouding their judgment. It doesn’t make the parents any less responsible for all the stress and pressure they put on their kids but it’s something worth demystifying.

[@a-troubleshooting4761]

Dang, this is one of the reviews I'm looking forward in this channel, the story is so sad and deep.

[@AzureRoxe]

"Hmm, my daughter seems to get a bit better when me and the wife are NOT constantly fighting and arguing...........RELIGIOUS RITUALS IT IS!!"

[@ToastyNoneofyourbusiness]

I feel like what a lot of people don't get/don't address is that a story like this could apply to anyone. Everyone thinks "there's no way i'd ever fall for a cult," but that's how they get you. Right now, there is a cult out there perfect for you. Yes, you, the one reading this right now. The only way to protect yourself is by educating yourself on how to identify cults and their tactics. Their prime targets are often people in vulnerable situations - emotionally, physically, or financially. Many people who normally wouldn't fall for a cult will fall for one when in a vulnerable state, usually out of desperation. If you are in a vulnerable state, be wary and vigilant. Make sure you know and recognize cults or cult tactics. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. If you find that you are in a cult *right now,* find the safest exit strategy that you can. This may mean abandoning your friends or loved ones. Do not stay in a cult for their sake. They will try to convince you to stay. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement. There are plenty of people and resources out there that can help you escape. You are not alone. Above all else, protect yourself from danger. Be safe, stay strong, don't look back.

[@KSaran7]

This game is so hard to go through, the parent's ideology is so harmful and it saddens me to know it still happens to this day. That being said, thank you for the awesome work here R ♡

[@inthedark334]

Yeah as someone who has been through this type of abuse, my brother has post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia because of the amount of stress that my parents put him through I developed a split personality disorder and also suffer from stress issues because of the abuse I wonder from my parents, the type of abuse this little girl went through is pretty terrible in the game the parents refer to the daughter as someone who's going to take care of them when they're older except they ignore completely the Free Will and the wishes of the child and what the child wants to do. My parents for instance did the exact same thing to me and my siblings, they only care about building you up for their own selfish benefit having you had nothing to do with loving you it only had to do with what they could get from you, I'm sorry but after years of dealing with these types of people I'm just going to call them what they are they're parasites people who do not love their child they use their child I'm definitely going to buy this game because I sympathize so much with the kid nice video man.

[@ezhumbug]

Such a sad and depressing story. But a really great story and gameplay.

[@Super_Panda_BS]

A cool game to break down soon, in my opinion, would be House. I’d love to see what you think of it because it has so many things going on and has 11 endings. If you see this, R, and are interested, that would be cool. I don’t have a Twitter, so this is the only place I can comment on. Loved the video and your deep-dives are the best! Thanks man!

[@magpie0_026]

The thing that hits the closest to home for me is that the girl was willing to wait for his father after death, she forgave him and still loved him unconditionally. In my Asian household, the pressure of being academically smart is extremely important. I’ve unfortunately sacrificed my mental health for a better academic grade. It has only gotten worst as it’s exam season. I was to fill up the gaps that my parents created when they were a child; to be good at what they’re not. As the oldest, I can’t make a single mistake as I can’t risk my siblings learning from my wrongdoings. But I still love my mum. I’ll forgive her any day. I know she just wants the best for me. She cares about me, but she just doesn’t know the correct way to do it.

[@-demonicmist-6660]

Theres a little detail or the show. Du mei shin has scored an 88 in the show,but on a says that,88 in chinese sounds similar to father(爸爸！爸爸！）repeatedly.

[@bobaberry0211]

Thank you so much for covering one of my favorite games. I relate to this game so much, and it makes me happy that you decide to cover it. Keep it up my guy ✨✨✨

[@michaelerdene1398]

Hi

[@ciatrine]

Man this hits too hard, I am now crippled by depression cuz of this and its getting worse now that I’ve graduated and my parents expect me to work right away. I blurted out how I wasn’t happy and mentally fit to work but my mom couldn’t get it/understand that concept…

[@karloka1]

Slightly reminds me of my Moms parents, when she was going through a lot, they believed that "Psychiatrists" were only for Lunatics and that it would ruin their name by making people think their daughter was a lunatic, which was a common belief back then (Thankfully not as bad as it is portrayed in this game). Thankfully she's doing fine psychologically at least.

[@bethneild108]

Is Devotion back? I thought it had been thanosed by China. Awesome video btw

[@michaelerdene1398]

Hi

[@bethneild108]

@@michaelerdene1398 hi

[@michaelerdene1398]

@@bethneild108 hello

[@evapunk333]

I believe the Devs have it on their own website now so you can download it from there.

[@bethneild108]

@@evapunk333 ahh awesome! Thanks my dude!

[@LocalAceAJ]

Call me dumb, but just to clarify, the dad died at some point too and joined his daughter in heaven? I’m not sure if I missed that part, but I feel it’s a bit extra sad but bittersweet if the dad spent the rest of his life filled with guilt and shame until he died of old age, but finally met his daughter up in heaven and ‘walked home together’

[@justinkianaalfredo6843]

Smartn't! According to taiwanese folklore, those who committed heinous crimes like what mr feng yu did, he will be trapped in a looping death for eternity TLDR: his dad is Diavolo

[@Kroggnagch]

Man... R, I really appreciate it that you not only have the letters and notes and any written or typed up wording held up on the screen for a moment so we can pause and read it all, but you also give us a synopsis of the major details which are important to the plot and narrative of the main story, just in case some people dont want to read but only listen. I've only been a subscriber since yesterday, but you're already one of my top favorite horror gaming channels out there. Thank you for all you do for us and especially thank you for being considerate.

[@weeeoooooommm4247]

As a Taiwanese person, this hits hard to home. The environment this game takes place in is very much like my home in Taiwan, like my family. The little cultural easter eggs in this game makes me happy since I can recognize them! The inside of the apartment, the food, the customs, religion, everything!

[@thuhuong8838]

Writting a whole ass essay about this game, analysing hallway and how furniture position inside it. One of my favorite game of all time

[@Bloxstuff2014]

It's like most horror games have a deep meaning horror games mostly introduce us with a confused or guilty or desperate charecter horror games are starting to have deeper meaning on them

[@RodaMoonknight]

Boi, this game had some unfortunate Chona Gov ban hammer, glad to see it's still strong

[@michaelerdene1398]

Hi

[@GrayFieldIon]

A family torn apart because they don’t know how to handle mental illness and it ends horribly, Damn… D:::::

[@hill2hell]

The real lesson here is. There is nothing supernatural here, but there are monsters. A child suffering from anxiety and mental issues, a wife who gave up on her family, and a father who was easily manipulated by a cult to kill his own daughter. A father so deluded that made her daughter's condition worse, and made him look like a hero because he was sacrificing so much money and even "sacrificing" his body parts in his deluded dream.

[@bearception8476]

Im still wondering how this is still considered tradition They literally dont need to tell the children to repay them back If they were actually a much better parent, listened and understood the child, and never pressured them into too much stress then the child would also work hard to repay them back out of LOVE and not FORCE

[@wajihaazhar2158]

Sadly, as a asian, this is common in many Asian households, where children are expected to repay their parents through good academic grades or something worthy. Even if there is no need to, the child is forced to anyway due to societal and cultural expectations and pressure and because that's just what you are 'supposed' to do, is also heavily implemented in Asian societies where adults and older people are respected alot and are considered wiser. Hence, the never-ending vicious cycle of mental illnesses, academic performance considered over mental health and its diagnosis, the tragic end of Mein Shin.

[@monaleerodriguez4202]

One of the most heartbreaking games I've encountered.

[@jameslu680]

This isn't even made up. This is the reality of many Asian family and children.

[@littlesasasasa9629]

I would like to talk about a detail they didn't mention, when the father looked at the doctor's prescription of possible mental health problems of the daughter and suggesting to take her to see a psychiatrist, the father yelled something like 'my daughter doesn't have psychosis!! Not at all!! ' and threw the paper away angrily (if I didn't remember wrong, and I watched the Chinese version) I came from an asian family and I feel resonated with how the parent treats the daughter's mental illness. I told my parents about my mental problems and hope to see a psychiatrist, they told me 'why do u like calling yourself a psycho??' There was a time i experienced anxiety attacks and they literally think there is some kind of ghost haunting me and the first thing they do is using some spiritual remedies of removing negative energies 😵 I'm not sure if it's common that Asian families experiencing these, but i think it's true that conservative Asian parents have a hard time accepting the fact that their child has mental health issues. They might see mental disorders as psychosis and only crazy people have it, feeling like their child is defected and feeling ashamed when being called having mental illness.

[@peachymiku6432]

Good video! I know this isn't the place to necessarily ask but I was wondering if you ever consider doing a video on the game Detention?

[@christophercomtois7175]

I love this game and I hate to just bombard this games comment section with another but there first game detention is the best horror game I ever played. Anyone who likes this will love that one do yourself a favor if not even for the video but for yourself it has a jaw dropping ending that is one of the most impactful I have ever seen.

[@utlukka950]

As a Vietnamese-American with Autism and ADHD, this is very relatable...

[@ari1758]

the part where he ripped out his tongue and eyes was probably the worst experience i've had in a game. It was just so disturbing to me.

[@jerrysaen]

Such a sad story and a predation of a once happy family

[@parasemprealice5684]

5:17 I don't think that this represents love or good parenting. But the pressure and high expectations that parents put in their children.

[@LadyCeag840]

I remember crying at the end of this story when I first saw it...

[@onekill31]

This and Detention exposes me more on Taiwanese culture. I am only familiar with the Mainland's culture back then.

[@misslangleysoryuisiconic]

_filipino film creators should take notes_

[@illyr8590]

This game was really really special to me. The story stuck so much and i cried for mei shin when i finished the game. I still listen to the Lady of The Pier song from time to time, i'll always recommend the game/story to anyone

[@houndrysmagolyteofhope4661]

The scariest thing about this game is... The Fact that its real, this is the famous Tiger Mom Syndrome. Which is a disease of 2, the parent and the child. This is Humanity's greatest selfish desire, to manipulate everything to our benefit. We are put on the spot from the moment we are born...nothing more than a investment. The only way to escape this is independance and being just as selfish.

[@Fanartist-Kitty]

Shubh Diwali (it's Diwali and it's a holiday here). Also just need to finish the trees and the fanart would be finished soon, so either later today or early tomorrow you're going to have it

[@gamersault]

That sounds like you’re putting a lot of work into it, I can’t wait to see it now! And happy Diwali :)

[@dashishim24]

Nice another asian in the comments

[@Fanartist-Kitty]

@@dashishim24 mixed is more accurate

[@dashishim24]

@@Fanartist-Kitty wadya mean

[@iamyumitv]

Man, I really like this game and your videos/work. Just... Perfection! 🗣️💜

[@jjthearcticmonkey1802]

I’m so happy you made this video 😁 literally made my day

[@101wonderment]

the game was terrifying at first but then it was more sad than scary especially at the ending!

[@mjv439]

The ending hit me directly into the heart. I may not clear this game out of my mind for a long time

[@CookieCashmere]

I had known everything about the story, although I didn't pick up she died at the end. I never knew that, making it even sadder in the end, of course.

[@amyliddle5921]

ONE CHANNEL - ONE LEGEND !!!

[@HUNTr33]

Love how you voiceover the many different flavour texts from games

[@SpeckOfSunlight]

Mei Shin's parents are incredibly reminiscent of my own

[@ManaTheSacrifice]

True horrors come from real life stories. This is deep, chilling. How the lovest one can destroy you systemically..

[@MikaelaKMajorHistory]

I have a condition like this. When I’m stressed, I get physical symptoms as if I’m ill. No doctor can figure out what it is, even though I’m bleeding and can’t even get out of bed. When I’m no longer stressed, it all goes away. My parents are not as bad as most parents, but my mom has also looked to spiritual means to try to help me deal with my ailment.

[@ValetinoLovebird]

This game call out all asian parents, as parents usually pulls out the 'I'm your parent, you must give me everything'. And Asian parents are the most competitive one.

[@nova9321]

20:00 is straight up many asian cuture's & many of for then traditional mentality/ mindset.

[@neopolitanedits7987]

I couldn't play this game it honestly scares me. This dude honestly makes the game better.

[@peekaloo12]

This is such a good story. Gameplay-wise, it's nothing amazing, but it's effective at pushing the next bit of story

[@monikasernek1177]

Oh boy. Brings back memories. Also do someone knows the name and artist who sings the song at the end of the game?

[@peanutbuttermotherchucker]

This game was bloody brilliant.

[@MrSasunaru101]

Never got the chance to play this game. It got removed from Steam before I had the chance to buy it:(

[@theoretischetheologie5837]

The ending was hitting different

[@henrychoo3879]

Being an asian myself, this disgusts me. Glad i left home earlier and set out on my own despite having financial troubles at a young age.

[@riotkitty]

I like the nuance in this game and did convey these parents did love their child. However paranoia and delusion along with the pressures of society traditionalism took over leading the father to join this cult to cure his daughter of her supposed possession, when all she needed was her parents’ love and affection, helping her with her panic disorder. The ending was so sad, she still loved her parents even after everything. If only delusion didn’t take over, perhaps they could’ve been happy together with the father and daughter still alive and the mother with him.

[@RebellionTrigger]

i love your videos my friend. i wish you all the luck in the world for your job, thanks

[@ИванГанев-к4н]

i feel crying the tears BURN MY EYES

[@dizzydots4786]

I knew this story was bleak, but god I have a massive knot in my stomach. I didn't know truly how bleak and desperate it was

[@gonnacry442]

Damn this game is so realistic and depressing. I feel for Mei when she continuously loves her father despite how he has become a horrid man, my dad is almost like him, except thank God, not insane. On some level, I can empathize with the parents thinking their child will care for them when old, with the many sacrifices they made just to raise the child, it seems their mindset of having a child as investment is beyond unchangeable. But it's not acceptable of course, it's unfair for the child. And if it is unfair for the parents, then might as well not have kids and work on their mindsets to deal with disappointments better. They're the adults for Christ's sake. The game is like a mirror to my life, developed an illness that actually wasn't too deep but parents make it so, no treatment because they don't believe in mental issues (and at least, thankfully, not in crack doctors), and only wanting to please my parents despite my displeasure, before realizing I'm slowly killing myself for them. My parents would think they're sacrificing everything for me (and my sibs) and will forever expect something in return. I can see them, and I appreciate them, but are they worth it if they're not what your kid wants anyway? If said sacrifices will only drive them away further? Cut ties because of the confusion and self-hatred for being unable to reciprocate fully? To follow what the parents want? Over time, I developed a sense of guilt for living and am merely existing for their sake at this point. Shouldn't watch this when life is going too bad at the moment.

[@punprincess3214]

You should check out the fatal frame series! it's really good!

[@novanexus9112]

As asian i feel this.... So true for me...

[@notfrankie2894]

R’s voice for the child’s text was so funny

[@shunuuu]

So basically.... this game is about how a majority of Asians treat and see their child. Damn.

[@エレダー]

don't worry, they even tried to resurrect their old leader Mao Zheng Dong, i don't blame them... we do also

[@jessiemineimations]

Did anyone noticed how at 15:17 the clicking of those ball shaped things got louder and faster?

[@luigamerboy8500]

The demon girl got me almost got a heart attack